Stay safe advice ahead of Storm Ashley

Multi-agency partners have met and will continue to meet over the weekend as preparations continue ahead of Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the season, which is forecast to bring strong winds on Sunday 20 October.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds, which could cause disruption on Sunday. The warning is in place from 3am Sunday morning until midnight Sunday. Conditions are expected to affect all of Northern Ireland. These strong winds in conjunction with high spring tides and large waves can generate a tidal surge which may cause some disruption.

Staff from all agencies are monitoring the situation and making preparations to respond to any impacts.  The weather conditions could lead to debris on the roads, fallen trees and spray or large waves on exposed and vulnerable coastal areas. Due to the potential for large waves, flooding of coastal roads is also possible - please remember not to drive through flood water.

Traffic disruption is possible so please plan ahead, stay up to date with the latest weather and travel advice and take extra care if travelling. Advice and information on the current weather warnings is available at: Strong winds weather warning - information and advice. It may be necessary to close some roads or put temporary restrictions in place.  Road users are reminded to adhere to road signs and any temporary traffic lights. Remember to reduce your speed, stay well behind the vehicle in front, remain focused and always wear your seatbelt.  Traffic information can be found at: TrafficWatchNI - Home . You can report an obstruction at: Report an obstruction on a road or street | nidirect or call the 24-hour number on 0300 200 7899.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) is advising the public not to visit affected Forests, Country Parks and Nature Reserves in the affected areas until the high winds subside. There is an increased likelihood and risk associated with falling branches and debris. The Department will endeavour to reinstate any affected public access soon as possible.

Monitoring of river levels and tidal surges has been ongoing and will continue until the weather warning has elapsed.  Rivers teams remain on standby and have been checking and clearing drainage screens and other assets. Regional Community Resilience Groups have also been advised of weather patterns and to make appropriate preparations.

The power of water is often on show during a storm as waves crash against harbour walls, piers and cliffs.  It looks spectacular but surges can easily sweep a person off their feet and into trouble.  All it takes is one wave to drag you out to sea – a dramatic photograph or selfie is not worth risking your life.  If you see someone get carried away by a wave, call 999 and ask for Coastguard.

NIE Networks is reminding the public to stay clear of any damaged electricity equipment and report it immediately to the Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.  Members of the public should never approach a broken pole or electricity line.

Should customers experience a power cut they can check for updates at Powercheck NI (powercheck.nienetworks.co.uk) and report the fault online or call the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure and on LinkedIn at DfILinkedIn.

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